FRONTLINE Beef Producer - Spring 2017

A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMERCIAL BEEF PRODUCERS

SPRING 2017

VOLUME 9

ISSUE 1

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer - Spring 2017 Genomic Advancements for Brangus......................................................................................................6-8 Selection Considerations to Improve Longevity..................................................................................10-13 Some Thoughts on Body Condition Scoring of Cows..........................................................................14-16 2017: The Year of the Ultrablack.........................................................................................................18-20 The Measure of a Man.........................................................................................................................22-24 2016: A Year in Review........................................................................................................................26-27 Now is the Time to Get Serious About Cow Efficiency.......................................................................29-30 Brangus in the High Country..............................................................................................................32-34 Marketing: Endless Opportunities......................................................................................................36-37 Brangus Seedstock Producers Recognized Nationally............................................................................ 38 Building with Brangus is the Right Choice...............................................................................................41 IBBA Introducing Commercial Cattle Genomic Service Yielding Three Selection Indexes...................42 Service Directory...................................................................................................................................... 44 Calendar.................................................................................................................................................... 45 Ad Index.................................................................................................................................................... 46

FRONTLINE Beef Producer is a product of:

Brangus Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 Phone: (210) 696-8231 Fax: (210) 696-8718

Brangus Publications, Inc. Directors: Mike Vorel, Chairman Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS, President Brandon Belt, Secretary/Treasurer Michael Kammerer, Director Eddy Roberts, Director Brangus Publications Inc. Editor and Layout/Art Director Peyton Waldrip Administration/Circulation Valerie Kopecki Contributing Editors Lisa Kriese-Anderson, PhD. Jason Banta, PhD., PAS Joe C. Paschal, PhD. Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS Tori Perkins Karoline Rose Taylor Shackelford Advertising Melanie Fuller Operations Rosanne Nelson Jenny Pieniazek Emilio Silvas Matt Murdoch Raime Preston Information appearing in this issue may be reprinted only with written permission of Brangus Publications, Inc. LPC Livestock Publications Council - Member

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IBBA CONNECTION

Genomic Advancements for Brangus

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS The cattle market continues to underwhelm most of us in the industry. It’s hard to say where we will end up in 2017, but it sure seems like we have at least hit the bottom of the price scale. All indications lead to an improved market value albeit not occurring at a fast enough pace. The data continues to show an increase in heifer retention which will certainly lead to a larger calf crop in the future. It also indicates a need for more calving ease herd sire prospects.

I am proud to say that the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) released their Spring 2017 run of genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GEEPDs) with its newest national cattle genetic evaluation.

The GE-EPDs were generated for over 9,000 Brangus® and UltraBlack® animals in the database. Commercial

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bull buyers can buy these cattle with more confidence since GE-EPDs are a more precise EPD that combines both performance records and genomic profiles. GE-EPDs increase the accuracy of each EPD which reduces risk in selecting younger breeding animals.

The increase in accuracy for performance traits are equivalent to adding several (six to 10) progeny records to an animal’s birth weight evaluation. In the case of hard-tomeasure traits, the increase in accuracy is comparable to adding records from 10 or more daughters in production.

This can dramatically shorten generational intervals, allowing cattlemen to make faster genetic progress.

The immediate benefit of adding genomics to the evaluation is the improvement in the predictions of offspring

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IBBA CONNECTION when making selection and mating decisions for the future.

Increases in the number of genotyped animals and collected phenotype data continue to improve the predictive power of the genetic evaluation. IBBA is thrilled to have offered, from the beginning and continue to offer, ‘single step’ derived GEEPDs that are being demanded by the beef industry.

The single-step approach maximizes use of data reported on all animals throughout the pedigree. The use of imputed (predicted from the pedigree information) genotypes from non-genotyped animals bolsters the value invested in DNA technology by the seedstock breeder. The single-step process greatly improves the EPD accuracy, which in turn reduces the possible change value. This is ultimately the advantage of single-step methodology over double-step (two-step blending) methodology of the past.

I recommend commercial bull buyers to find Brangus® seedstock suppliers who can provide you with DNA validated cattle that are backed with complete phenotypic data. The combination of DNA and performance data will yield the most accurate selection tool available in the GE-EPDs. I will go one step further and suggest that you DNA test your Brangus® replacement heifers on the Brangus®specific panel that will soon be available from GeneSeek.

Through a joint effort between IBBA, GeneSeek and Livestock Genetic Services, a new Brangus®-specific DNA test will soon be offered to commercial cattlemen. The

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low-density panel (approximately 9,000) will be priced reasonable enough to incorporate in selection of your Brangus® influenced replacement heifers.

Feel free to call, text or email if you have any specific questions about GE-EPDs, locating Brangus® or Ultrablack® genetics, or DNA testing programs. For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www.GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or receive news updates by joining our email list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tommy Perkins, PhD. is a graduate of West Texas A&M University, where he was

recognized as a Graduate of Distinction by the Department of Agriculture in 2014. He also earned his doctoral degree in Animal Breeding from Texas Tech University. He served as a professor at Missouri State University and Texas State University for nearly twenty years, where his professional career is most noted for excellence in the field of beef cattle ultrasound.

Perkins was elected to the Beef Improvement Federation’s Board of Directors and, also, serves as chairman for the End Product committee. Additionally, Perkins currently serves on the board of directors for the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association, Texas Beef Council, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was recently elected Beef Breeds Council President.

Currently, Perkins is the Executive Vice President of IBBA, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Performance Solutions, and President of Brangus Publications, Inc.

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Selection Considerations to Improve Longevity

by Associate Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Jason Banta, PhD., PAS

Every cow-calf producer wants a cow that is productive for 12 to 15 years or more. Longevity of both cows and bulls is influenced by a host of factors including disposition, feet and legs, udder and teat confirmation, fleshing ability, fertility, function of reproductive organs (e.g. lazy prepuces in bulls), and breed just to name a few. The ability to wean an acceptable calf every year is the primary factor affecting longevity of cows in most operations.

It can be difficult to select for longevity directly.

However, we can make selection decisions that reduce the potential reasons that may lead to a cow or bull being culled from the herd. Several breeds including BrangusÂŽ have recently started, or will soon start, keeping records on udder suspension, teat size, foot angle, claw set, and disposition.

These records can then be used to calculate EPDs to use

when selecting bulls.

Disposition is more than just a convenience trait.

Research shows that wild or temperamental cattle do not perform as well as their calmer herd mates. Additionally, those wild animals are more likely to injure themselves, tear up fences and working facilities, and worst of all hurt you or someone else. Wild cattle are also more likely to create a situation that if seen by the public or captured on video could result in a negative view of the beef industry by consumers.

As a service to the breed, the industry, and their customers seedstock producers need to turn in temperament scores to aid in identifying genetic lines with disposition problems.

Disposition is a hereditable trait and is best managed by eliminating wild cattle from both the seedstock and commercial breeding herds.

DISPOSITION SCORING TABLE 1 EXTREMELY GENTLE, DOES NOT MOVE AWAY

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2 CALM BUT MOVES AWAY FROM YOU WHEN YOU GET CLOSE

3 CALM BUT MOVES AWAY FROM YOU SOONER THAN A 2 (LARGER FLIGHT ZONE)

4 NERVOUS AND MOVES AWAY RAPIDLY WHEN YOU ENTER THEIR FLIGHT ZONE

5 EXTREMELY NERVOUS AND MAY ATTACK THE SCORER IN THE PEN

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EXPERT CONNECTION UDDER SUSPENSION SCORING TABLE

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9 VERY TIGHT TO THE BODY CAVITY

8 PROMINENT MEDIUM SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT WHICH HOLDS THE UDDER TIGHT TO THE BODY CAVITY. TEATS SUSPEND PERPINDICULAR TO GROUND.

7 TIGHT TO THE BODY CAVITY

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6 INTERMEDIATE PROMINENT SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT. UDDER SUSPENDED ABOUT LEVEL WITH THE HOCK AND ALMOST PERPINDICULAR TO THE GROUND.

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MODERATELY TIGHT

VERY WEAK MEDIAN LIGAMENT. UDDER & TEATS SUSPENDED BELOW HOCK. WHEN THE UDDER & TEATS ARE ENGORGED WITH MILK, TEATS SPLAY OUTWARD.

3 PENDULOUS

2 MEDIAN SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT ABSENT, UDDER AND TEATS SUSPENDED BELOW HOCKS. UDDER BALLOONS AND TEATS SPLAY OUTWARD.

1 VERY PENDULOUS, BROKEN FLOOR

TEAT SIZE SCORING TABLE SCORE 9

SCORE 7

SCORE 5

SCORE 1

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VERY SMALL AND SYMMETRICAL

SMALL DESIRABLE TEAT

SMALL AND SYMMETRICAL

PROBLEM FREE TEAT SIZE

INTERMEDIATE IN LENGTH

SHAPE & SIZE OF TEATS MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS

LARGE, VARIABLE IN LENGTH AND SYMMETRY

LARGE & STARTING TO LOOK BALLOON SHAPED

VERY LARGE, VARIABLE IN LENGTH AND SYMMETRY; TEATS APPEAR TO BE THICK

Udder problems are another reason cows may be culled before reaching the end of their productive life. Poor udder and teat confirmation can make it difficult for calves to nurse leading to reduced consumption of colostrum within the first two hours after calving which leads to reduced calf performance and increased calf mortality. Unlike disposition problems, which can be seen early in life, udder suspension and teat size can’t be accurately evaluated until a heifer calves. Additionally, udder suspension and to a lesser extent teat size can get worse with age so problems may not become apparent until a cow has already had a few calves. Genetic evaluation is the best way to reduce these problems. Unfortunately, one of the biggest unknowns when purchasing bulls is his genetics for udder quality. If you plan to keep heifers, visit with bull breeders about udder quality traits, and when they become available incorporate udder quality EPDs into your selection process.

Poor feet and leg problems can make it uncomfortable to walk. In cows this can lead to reduced time grazing, lower body condition, and ultimately delayed rebreeding or even open cows. In bulls this may lead to reduced breeding activity.

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Bull longevity can be reduced because of injuries to the penis and prepuce. Bulls with a lazy prepuce or a very pendulous sheath are at a greater risk for these injuries.

In some bulls the prepuce may protrude one to two inches below the end of the sheath while in others it may protrude several inches. Pay attention to the frequency and severity of

EXPERT CONNECTION the protrusion of the prepuce; the risk of injury or infection increases as frequency and severity increase.

Cow longevity can also be improved by paying attention to calving ease. A live calf at birth is the first step to having a quality calf to sell at weaning. Additionally, difficult births can lead to uterine trauma which can delay a cow in returning to estrous and conceiving before the end of the breeding season. This can even occur in situations that don’t require assistance if the birth takes longer than normal or requires extra straining. While the focus is mainly on heifers, calving ease should not be overlooked in cows. Fortunately, genetics are available that allow for both calving ease and good growth.

Breed will also impact cow longevity. Brahman and American (e.g. Brangus, Braford, Beefmaster, etc.) cows will generally remain productive longer than British and Continental cows.

As mentioned earlier, reproduction and the ability of a cow to wean an acceptable calf every year is critical to cow longevity. Cow body condition score at calving has a huge impact on pregnancy rates. To optimize pregnancy rates twoand three-year-old females should be in a body condition score of six or greater at calving. Cows four or older should be in a body condition score of five or greater at calving.

Cows that are naturally easy fleshing can make it easier to reach these goals. When selecting bulls to sire replacement heifers, pay attention to ultrasound fat thickness. If two bulls have been managed the same but one bull has a 0.15 inches of rib fat and the other bull has 0.30 inches of rib fat, then the bull with more fat will likely sire daughters that are easier fleshing. I am not saying to buy overly fat bulls; but if the bulls have been fed and managed the same, then the fatter ones in the group will likely sire easier fleshing females.

Weaning weight, yearling weight, and marbling scores may be the talk at bull sales, but don’t forget about the traits that can influence cow and bull longevity. Reducing culling rates in a herd through thoughtful selection of breeding stock will have significant impacts on the economic bottom line of the operation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: As an Extension beef cattle specialist Dr. Banta works with county Extension agents

and allied industry personal to develop educational programming for cow-calf and stocker producers in East and Northeast Texas. Dr. Banta also works with other AgriLife and A&M faculty to conduct beef cattle research in the areas of ruminant nutrition, cow-calf and stocker management, and animal health. Additionally, he co-coordinates and teaches a Special Topics in Applied Beef Cattle Nutrition course in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“ABOUT THE AUTHOR” PROVIDED BY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S WEBSITE.

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EXPERT CONNECTION

Some Thoughts on Body Condition Scoring of Cows

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist Joe C. Paschal, PhD.

As far as technologies go, body condition scoring is one of the most useful and least expensive. No computers, no scales – heck, you don’t even have to pen your cows to apply it. Although body condition was certainly used before the 1960s, I think the late Jim Wiltbank, PhD. at the Texas Agricultural Research Sub-Station No. 1 in Beeville, Texas was one of the first to apply it to subsequent reproductive success. He scored cooperator herds in the South Texas and Gulf Coast on a simple basis: Thin, Average or Fat before calving and found that the average and fat cows had higher pregnancy rates at next breeding. Since then, body condition

of coming into heat or responding to estrus synchronization.

Females in poor body condition often don’t respond to synchronization very well if at all.

In the range of BCS four to seven, there is a difference of about 8 percent body weight between each score so a 1200-pound cow that would normally be a BCS five would weigh about 100 pounds less as BCS four. She would need to be supplemented almost 1,000 pounds of supplement to gain that weight back, so she will need some time. Bulls can be scored as well since fatness also affects their reproductive performance.

Table 1. Description of Body Condition Scores in Beef Cattle. (after Sprott and Herd, undated)

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Severely emaciated - no fat observed, backbone, tail head and ribs are prominently visible.

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Emaciated - little visible muscle tissue, backbone, tail head and ribs less visible.

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Very thin - no fat over ribs or brisket, backbone still easily visible (about 0.05 inches of fat cover).

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Borderline - individual ribs noticeable, overall fat cover is lacking, there is increased musculature over shoulders and hindquarters, hips and backbone slightly rounded (about 0.10 inches fact cover).

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Moderate - increased fat cover over ribs, only 12th and 13th ribs visible, tail head full or flat but not rounded (about 0.20 inches fat cover).

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Good - back, ribs and tail head slightly rounded and spongy when palpated, fat deposition in brisket (about 0.30 inches fat cover).

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Fat - cow appears fleshy and carries fat on back, tail head and brisket, ribs are not visible, some udder fat (about 0.40 inches fat cover).

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Very fat – squared appearance due to excess fat over back, tail head and hindquarters, fat deposition in brisket and along ribs and in udder (about 0.55 inches of fat cover).

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Obese – fatter than BCS 8 with more fat in udder (about 0.70 inches of fat cover).

scores have been more accurately associated with fat cover or lack of it and have been expanded to nine scores (see Table 1) although dairy operators and Australians use a five-point score. In spite of the fact that body condition score (BCS) has been useful to determine breed back or pregnancy rate for over 50 years, a recent National Animal Health Monitoring Survey and my own survey data show that less than 15 percent of beef producers use it.

BCS should be applied to pregnant cows and open heifers about 60 days prior to calving for cows or breeding for heifers. This will give you some time to separate and supplement those that are less than BCS six. BCS is very useful in sorting heifers and cows that have a good chance 14

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The benefits of BCS include increased pregnancy rate of cows that have calved but there are others as well. Research has shown that cows that calve in higher (but not obese) BCS have less difficulty at calving, provide a higher quality and quantity of colostrum for their calves, and have a higher rebreeding rate. Usually it takes a cow about 45 days for her reproductive tract to go through a period of reinvolution where it returns to normal size and shape and she begins to cycle. Cows that are in lower BCS, below five, at calving have longer reinvolution periods and take longer to rebreed.

This is important since, in order to get cows and heifers to rebreed within 365 days after a 283-day gestation, they only have 82 days to rebreed. If it takes them 60 days to return

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EXPERT CONNECTION

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to heat after calving, you only have two chances (22 days) to keep them in an annual calving interval. Cows in BCS of five or better can reinvolute within 35 days, adding 47 days or two additional heat cycles.

Body condition scoring is not difficult and it can be used to monitor supplementation and grazing management programs as well as potential to breed or rebreed. There are smart phone apps that are available for free and I would recommend photographing certain cows and certain BCS for reference in the future.

When body condition scoring, some things to consider including are 1) age (older cattle carry less fat over their backs), 2) breed (Bos indicus and dairy cattle carry less external and more internal fat than Bos taurus), 3) hair (long hair hides lack of condition and muscle), 4) frame size (small and moderate framed cattle tend to be scored higher than large frame cows), 5) gut fill (over emphasis on fill increases BCS), and 6) mud (which can hide the lack of condition and muscle). When scoring heavy-bred females 60 days before calving, don’t confuse pregnancy with fatness.

Although BCS is not highly heritable, research at the US Meat Animal Research Center estimated the heritability of cow body condition score at 0.16), cow BCS taken at the same time each year under the same conditions (barring drought

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or illness) is repeatable (0.30) meaning that cows that are in good body condition tend to remain in good body condition year after year if raised under the same circumstances. I think we call these types of cows easy keepers. Although BCS is not highly heritable it can be selected for and should be recorded and reported so that you can evaluate it and her performance from year to year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joe C. Paschal, PhD. is the Texas AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist stationed at

the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Corpus Christi serving 37 counties in Extension districts 11 and 12.

Paschal is a member of the animal breeding and genetics section in the Department of Animal Science and of the graduate faculty at Texas A&M University. He is also an external professor at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville. He earned both his bachelor of science and master of science in animal science and his doctorate in animal breeding from Texas A&M University.

Paschal assists county extension agents in conducting, developing and evaluating educational and applied research activities in livestock in Extension districts 11 and 12 in South Texas. His work and interests include animal breeding and genetics, reproduction, nutrition, management and marketing.

“ABOUT THE AUTHOR” PROVIDED BY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S WEBSITE.

FEATURE

2017: The Year of the ® Ultrablack

by Tori Perkins

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FEATURE Looking out into a cow-filled pasture, it is hard to see the difference between them at first glance. When you take time to look closer, there is a clear difference between each breed in the pasture and on your plate.

Brangus cattle are known for being the hardy cross between the Angus and Brahman breeds and feature a balance of traits from both Angus and Brahman heritage.

Though many breeders still appreciate and prefer the traditional look of Brangus cattle, more are beginning to utilize the Ultrablack® program to offer an alternative product to heavily influenced English bred cow herds.

Ultrablack® cattle give commercial cattlemen a product that allows them to introduce more environmentally adapted, Brahman influence into their future breeding plans.

Ultrablack® cattle were first recognized in March of 2013. They are the product of breeding a registered Brangus to a registered Angus. To be recognized by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) as an Ultrablack®, the animal must have between 50 and 87.5 percent Brangus genetics and the remaining percentage must be of registered Angus lineage.

Ultrablack® cattle have less ear and cleaner underlines but still possess the hardiness and sustainability of Brahman cattle. The benefits of Ultrablack® cattle make them increasingly popular among cattlemen. This prediction has led IBBA staff and directors to believe that 2017 will be the “Year of the Ultrablack®.” Information was gleaned from interviews with current IBBA leadership, President Mike Vorel and Director Cody Gariss.

“Producers typically seek Ultrablack®s for three reasons,” said Gariss. “One, they need more pounds at payday. Two, their cattle have become too hairy, in turn they are losing performance in terms of weight and fertility and are seeking something that will shed off. Three, they are looking to add to the maternal base of their cow herd.”

For cattle producers, profitability of cattle is always a concern. Research is imperative for knowing how certain cattle will perform from pasture to plate. In data collected from a set of crossbred calves in early to mid-2016, data showed the Ultrablack® calves had the highest value per head and heaviest carcass weights compared to the Angus and Brangus calves in the study. This study is highlighted in an article

by IBBA’s Education and Data Coordinator Jenny Pieniazek in the September 2016 edition of FRONTLINE Beef Producer.

“For both Registered Brangus and Angus producers, it allows the opportunity to add new genetics that complement

their existing genetic base to produce Ultrablack®s,” Vorel said. “Both breeds have worked hard to find cattle that are born easy and grow well with excellent carcass traits.”

Ultrablack® cattle have proven they have the capability to outperform Angus cattle. This is a major selling point to producers and is a valid reason for the increase of Ultrablack® cattle in production today. As a composite breed, Ultrablack® cattle have higher hybrid vigor, which has led to improvement in reproductive performance, increased longevity, and better performance in the feedlot phase.

“The really neat thing about Ultrablack®s is the three generations,” Vorel stated. “The genetic makeup of each generation may work extremely well in one area and the next generation better in another area. The versatility makes the Ultrablack® a product useful in many ways to most everyone.”

Now that Ultrablack®s are gaining popularity, the IBBA Board of Directors has decided to allow the “breeding up” of Ultrablack® cattle. This means Ultrablack® cattle can now be registered as Brangus through IBBA after undergoing a specific three-step breeding cycle. These breeding cycles are: 1) Breeding a registered Brangus to a registered Angus to produce the initial cross (UB1); 2) The UB1 offspring is then mated to a registered Brangus to produce the UB2 calf; 3) The UB2 animal is then bred to a registered Brangus. The progeny of this third cross results in an animal that is 87.5 percent Brangus which receives an “R” prefix at registration.

All animals receiving the “R” prefix from the Ultrablack® program will have 87.5 percent or greater Brangus genetics which meet all IBBA requirements for Brangus registry.

Ultrablack® cattle having less than 87.5 percent Brangus makeup are not eligible for Brangus registration but are

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FEATURE continued to be registered as Ultrablack® cattle. They must be further mated to registered Brangus cattle to produce animals greater than 87.5 percent Brangus to continue in the breeding up process to produce offspring that qualify for registered Brangus status.

“Through a by-law vote by the membership in 2013, the IBBA implemented the ability to ‘top cross’ Ultrablack®s back to Brangus genetics in order to allow for the ability to breed them back up to Brangus,” Gariss said. “This affords producers the opportunity to widen the Brangus gene pool through the addition of fresh Angus genetics while maintaining the integrity of the Brangus breed. The by-law change also helped to add value to the Ultrablack® females in production and gave registered breeders more confidence in making mating decisions as it allowed for an additional outlet both from a marketability and genetic standpoint.”

The raw power, adaptability, maternal value, and maximization of premiums in the packing plant are the product of using the best characteristics of the Brangus breed with an inclusion of more current, modern Angus genetics. Ultrablack® cattle are the perfect match for maintaining carcass attributes while possessing outstanding environmental adaptability.

“Maintaining the ability to thrive on fescue and withstand hot environments and being more cold tolerant when the equation is changed,” said Vorel, “all with the added benefits of heterosis.”

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Ultrablack® cattle have become more popular as they allow breeders the opportunity to enjoy traits of their Brahman heritage while refreshing the Angus genetics.

“Nearly every relevant beef breed has its ‘Angus-based’ hybrid derivative but none can do what the Ultrablack® can,” Gariss said. “No other breed can add pounds through heterosis and peel back the hair coat increasing heat tolerance. At the same time, they are improving the maternal base and maintaining and improving carcass quality allowing for qualification of the most stringent quality based grid programs.”

The inclusion of small amounts of Bos indicus in Ultrablack® cattle produce an animal with hair-slicking ability, increased environmental adaptability, and improved reproductive performance in the resulting offspring. All of this is possible while maintaining or improving the overall carcass attributes and profitability of the feedlot animal.

Therefore, IBBA’s Promotions Committee has deemed 2017 as the “Year of the Ultrablack®.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tori Perkins was an active member in both 4-H and FFA when growing up. In her 10

plus years in the various youth programs, she exhibited market steers, beef breeding heifers, market lambs, market swine and poultry (Bantams). Her early show years occurred through the 4-H program while living in the Springfield, Missouri area. She continued showing as an FFA member in La Vernia, Texas as well as participating on the junior chapter conducting team and the Meats Evaluation Team. A recent graduate of South Plains College in Levelland,Texas, Tori is currently a senior agricultural communications major at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

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FEATURE

The Measure of a Man

by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

Not every commercial cattle operation is just cow-calf.

Stevie Ray Hansen and his ranch, Hansen Land and Cattle Company (HLC), is a book you can’t judge by its cover.

In addition to his commercial Brangus operation, he just signed on a property to house foster kids as they age out of the program called the Lazy H. “Everything I have, I owe to God,” said Hansen. “I’m a very blessed man.”

The Lazy H is a place where kids can hold over and figure out life. These people are raised in the government system and then thrust out into the real world with no means to go to college or opportunity to learn tactical skill. Hansen wants these kids to have a place to unplug and decide what they want to be. Hansen said, “We will make that happen.”

Though slightly different, Hansen can relate to their stories. Born in a small Kentucky town, population less than 100, Stevie Ray Hansen has always been involved in agriculture. However, when his parents decided to move him and his siblings to the big city in California, he did not approve. With hard times falling on familial relationships and his uncle’s hand-me-down Nova, Hansen hit the road at 14 years old. He remembered a place from the road trip to the west coast and he couldn’t wait to get back.

Without even a high school diploma, Hansen landed in Plano, Texas, where he knew there was a weekly rodeo not far away in Mesquite, Texas. For a while, he played roughstock rider. Until eventually he caught the eye of an ex-wife to the mob. There’s more to that story, but you’ll just have to read his memoir. The important take-away is that 22

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her neighbor was an oil tycoon who taught Hansen how to play a new game.

With enough capital to invest in property, Hansen began putting together a herd as HLC. Soon, he was experimenting with different breeds of cattle. He tried all the popular breeds and even dipped into Texas Longhorns and Corrientes.

Hansen’s cattle buyer, ---, suggested Super Baldies after they made the decision to transition from Santa Gertrudis.

“We’ve tried them all,” Hansen said. “I’m not just saying that because you’re from the association. Brangus cattle are survivors. They thrive out here.”

HLC is comprised of seven ranches. Most of the ranches are in southwest Texas, cows are calved out in the knee-high, green grasses of Buffalo, Texas. As for the rest of their time at HLC, the cattle are running in the Texas Hill Country rocks, steep slopes, and cactus.

“When we were burning off prickly pear last year, you should have seen those cattle take right to the cactus,” said Hansen.

Super Baldies are one of the hot commercial crosses in the current cattle market. For years, Herefords have been experts at moderation in frame size and milk production.

When coupled with the growth and fleshing ability of Brangus, you get a high-conversion genetics to increase your paycheck. In arid climates where cattle need to be able to sustain themselves on low energy and maintain condition on spread out water sources, these Brangus x Herefords are the way to go.

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FEATURE The cross breeding is a great example of what 3/8 cattle can bring to your operation. By now, you’ve heard of hybrid vigor and the offspring’s ability to outperform its parents due to positive opposition of genomes. These brockle-faced females have the moderation of their English parentage and the bone structure and soundness of the Brangus. Noticing Hansen’s cattle were clean-naveled and gentle in disposition, I inquired about his selection strategy.

“We’re picky when we source cattle. We won’t take them with a lot of extra leather,” Hansen said. “We bring them in and keep them close for 45 days. The ones that never warm up to humans and horses get shipped. We just don’t have time for poor attitudes.”

The philosophy goes hand-in-hand with the work Hansen is doing with youth in Texas. The statistics speak for themselves, but obviously there is a huge problem with the government system for orphaned children. There are so many children abused in the foster care system but it’s not a priority to the government. Hansen said, “[the government] turns a blind eye because they found the child a home and food and that’s their only job.” The attitudes of someone raised in that environment are no fault of their own. So, Hansen plans to give them an opportunity to adjust.

It’s his futuristic thought process that ensures the success of the cattle operation, too. Hansen embraces technology and has even built several websites. For this reason, he is transitioning his herd from strictly commercial to a

combination including a registered herd. Hansen recognizes the importance of data collection and good record keeping and plans to track the registered herd from start to finish.

His ultimate goal is to build a cow base that is 2,000 head strong.

In this ambition, the heifers that make it through the 45day screening into a member of the herd have to produce – it’s their job. Hansen runs purebred Brangus bulls. Doguet genetics are on the topside of all first-generation HLC cattle. The black hide helps them across the auction block.

Additionally, Hansen has a deal with the Jordan Livestock Auction in Mason, Texas and garnishes a premium for his consistency. When his purebred herd gets off the ground, there will be a special sale.

If you’re looking for a way to brand your own cattle as they head to auction, you can buy into the same strategy of HLC. The International Brangus Breeders Association offers eartags with the words “Brangus Built” inscribed. Hansen uses these to set his cattle apart and gets his tags customordered with the ranch foreman’s cellphone number. The goal of the program is to tag all females with at least one registered Brangus parent and amp up the breed’s visibility.

The value of Brangus speaks for itself, but not all commercial cattle look alike. Buy Brangus Built tags and let people know that they’re buying consistent value.

Stevie Ray Hansen and his wife, Laura, live on the headquarters now, but they spent a recent seven years in a two-room bunkhouse. Stevie Ray recalls stacking roundbales on the side of the house to keep some of the bitter northerns out. He said, “we had some really good years in that house.”

Not many cattle raisers can say that they have started a herd from the ground up, been all around the world, started a non-profit, and wrote it all down to be published in their very own book. Stevie Ray Hansen isn’t like many cattle raisers. As we stood in the bank with several friends of the Hansens, we joked that Stevie Ray wasn’t different. He is interesting.

For more information on HLC’s endeavors with The 127, visit their website www.the127.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A native of Prosper, Texas, Taylor Shackelford joined

International Brangus Breeders Association with much agricultural experience.

He grew up showing beef cattle, participating in a number of leadership and career development events, and even served the Texas FFA Association as first vice president in 2012.

Shackelford acquired many experiences during the last four years at Texas Tech University studying agricultural communications. His collegiate career consisted of a range of involvement in his department, his college, and the university as a whole.

His resume includes: a student government campaign at Texas Tech; a semester-long congressional internship in Washington, D.C.; active involvement among the agricultural education and communications department, the agricultural college, and university-wide programs, including the chancellor’s and president’s offices; as well as participation on several national-champion judging teams.

24

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

25

2016: A Year in Review

2016 A Year in Review

Top 10 States by IBBA THR Assessments State Texas Florida Arkansas Alabama Oklahoma Mississippi Louisiana Georgia New Mexico Missouri

# on THR 16333 3703 2585 2533 2379 2321 2043 1586 1124 929

Member WYNNE RANCH SANTA ROSA RANCH BRINKS BRANGUS CATTLE @ WESTALL RANCHES, LLC SALACOA VALLEY FARMS DRAGGIN' M RANCH THE BRANCH RANCH CAVENDER BRANGUS CHIMNEY ROCK CATTLE COMPANY BLACKWATER CATTLE COMPANY TOWN CREEK FARM

Top 10 States for Membership

Senior Members State Texas Alabama Florida Louisiana Mississippi Oklahoma Georgia Arkansas Missouri Tennessee

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

# 507 81 74 72 61 60 39 37 32 25

# on THR 897 795 740 595 497 481 462 455 403 390

Top 10 States for Transfers

Junior Members State Texas Louisiana Florida Mississippi Oklahoma Arkansas Missouri Alabama Georgia Kansas

Top 10 IBBA Members by THR Assessments

# 310 53 44 30 25 18 16 11 3 3

Bull Transfers State Texas Florida Mississippi Alabama Oklahoma Arkansas Louisiana Georgia New Mexico Arizona

# 1297 520 226 211 200 180 176 97 76 70

Female Transfers State Texas Alabama Florida Mississippi Louisiana Arkansas Oklahoma Tennessee Georgia Missouri

# 1307 287 256 144 139 121 105 75 66 38

2016: A Year in Review Top 10 States for Data Reporting

Weaning Data State Texas Florida Arkansas Alabama Mississippi Louisiana Georgia Oklahoma Tennessee Missouri

# 6047 1207 1123 952 932 895 848 754 434 394

Yearling Data State Texas Florida Georgia Arkansas Mississippi Alabama Louisiana Oklahoma Tennessee New Mexico

Ultrasound Data

# 3326 764 637 581 506 457 416 403 262 256

State Texas Georgia Florida Arkansas Mississippi Alabama Kansas New Mexico Tennessee Oklahoma

# 2236 640 609 529 432 373 242 232 223 211

DATA REPORTING :: There is real value in thorough and accurate data reporting. The benefactors of the value reaped from complete data reporting are the breeder and the breed as a whole. The more we know, the more we know. When we have more information on registered animals, the genomic evaluations for animals are more credible because the analysis becomes more accurate, too. Thorough recordkeeping is key in successful herd management. For more information about data reporting, contact the IBBA (210-696-8231, info@gobrangus.com). We are happy to help you in person, through email, or over the phone.

25 Most Used Bulls (Based on Calves Recorded in 2016) Rank Calves

Reg No

Name

CED

BW

WW

YW

Milk

TM

CEM

SC

REA

IMF

FAT

1

360

R10244716

TJM THREE D 302A

4.0279

0.51488

39.148

69.499

8.8813

28.46

4.479

0.5285

0.41057

-0.08075

-0.05308

2

148

R10216038

CB PASSPORT 803Y11

1.538

2.8626

30.454

49.198

8.102

23.33

4.446

0.6823

0.33707

0.034444

-0.03176

3

146

R10204856 NEW VISION OF SALACOA 209Y2

3.5785

1.26489

22.467

44.905

7.2444

18.48

4.037

0.8567

0.67551

-0.03831

-0.03466

4

139

R10150860

STONEWALL OF RRR 222W6

5.2336

-0.32487

20.818

39.464

14.949

25.36

4.863

0.9136

0.65888

0.049246

-0.02658

5

113

R10239893

CB TRADITION 63A

4.8298

0.43432

32.022

58.674

11.177

27.19

4.341

1.0095

0.53153

0.009784

-0.02637

6

105

R10210625

ATLANTA OF SALACOA 488Z

4.9328

-0.2595

29.338

55.078

10.949

25.62

4.691

0.6073

0.59289

0.171387

-0.04424

7

90

R10227112

SUHN'S FOUNDATION 331Z28

0.6425

3.78515

44.418

79.423

8.3955

30.6

4.02

0.6926

0.64646

-0.12042

-0.03446

8

80

R10009407

TCB CATAWBA WARRIOR R532

5.2019

-1.00642

32.437

71.716

24.501

40.72

2.196

1.3416

0.79372

0.021075

-0.01353

9

71

R10193636

VF-OAKS ONLINE 918Y3

4.4512

0.95808

27.436

46.894

-1.15

12.57

4.695

1.6168

0.512

-0.02491

-0.04514

10

67

R10122023

CRC GUARDIAN 9U8U5

3.5363

2.11816

30.704

55.685

9.5356

24.89

6.586

1.5488

0.49389

0.139543

-0.06213

11

65

UB10275960

MC GRANITE 834B

6.9781

-0.02575

38.989

76.297

15.738

35.23

3.731

0.4296

0.85127

0.156901

-0.007

12

58

R10025207

SKYHAWKS PRESIDENTE

4.2637

0.41944

35.579

56.146

7.4213

25.21

3.98

0.2384

0.46966

-0.10147

-0.03729

13

56

3.3421

1.56364

30.427

55.789

6.3801

21.59

4.165

1.0639

0.69314

0.083682

-0.04123

14

52

UB10252952

SF BENCHMARK 535A74

4.1453

0.45149

32.837

64.104

9.2968

25.72

2.947

0.9365

0.59948

0.06292

-0.03652

15

49

R10084480

CCR INTEGRITY 355S4

7.5161

-2.18772

-5.518

-13.04

13.1

10.34

4.225

0.9895

-0.08873

-0.01031

-0.02765

16

49

R10201653

MC GAME CHANGER 127Y42

-0.276

4.80705

45.705

94.111

13.1

35.95

4.844

1.0265

0.84351

0.384575

-0.018

17

47

R10174448

BRB RAPIDREWARD 99W11

1.3058

2.40519

39.618

77.407

7.9732

27.78

4.752

0.8182

0.90091

0.050483

-0.02945

18

47

R10203561

SRR TAILOR MADE 361Y12

0.8987

4.46139

23.188

34.668

8.7838

20.38

3.951

0.8591

0.4368

0.171434

-0.02447

19

46

R10189274

CRC LANDAU 263X2

3.9194

1.61631

31.284

68.214

12.067

27.71

4.507

1.4654

0.59172

-0.12609

-0.03268

R10251840 HOLLYWOOD OF SALACOA 23A53

20

46

RR10235456

CX DREAM FOREVER 365/A

2.6059

1.52853

20.538

29.714

9.9926

20.26

4.072

0.2147

0.10821

0.022726

-0.04484

21

44

UB10278236

MC CRUSH 675B

-0.3124

5.06222

51.761

102.62

11.113

36.99

5.165

0.9604

1.03597

0.189797

-0.00996

22

43

R10099462

DDD OUT CROSS 804T30

2.1871

3.61449

48.982

72.87

2.0852

26.58

5.715

0.5329

0.43501

-0.12673

-0.03856

23

42

R10243006

TCF RAPIDREWARD 145Z3

1.1666

2.99754

30.16

54.924

9.0985

24.18

4.272

0.6893

0.57385

-0.00917

-0.03788

24

42

R10243314

JAK DIMENSION 98A

2.3357

1.84044

28.537

57.733

13.61

27.88

4.11

0.9338

0.32142

-0.03433

-0.04719

25

42

R10254680

DMR "THE CHAIRMAN" 415A11

4.2431

0.85015

26.084

42.438

9.7751

22.82

3.869

0.5107

0.41243

0.008811

-0.04935

27

28

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

EXPERT CONNECTION

Now is the Time to Get Serious About Cow Efficiency

by Associate Professor and Extension Animal Scientist, Auburn University Lisa A. Kriese-Anderson, PhD.

It has been over 30 years since the first Brangus expected progeny differences (EPD) values were published for Brangus breeders to utilize in selection decisions. Collecting actual weights and values for production and carcass traits used in EPD predictions are relatively easy. Much has been accomplished in moving production and carcass traits to more desired values and overall improvement of the Brangus breed. Newer DNA techniques, combined with phenotypic data, have made genomically-enhanced EPD predictions more accurate and reduced the risks of using non-parent animals.

The overall goal of a beef cattle producer should be to improve profitability. Because providing feed to animals is a major cost to producers, improving the efficiency of feed utilization would be of significant economic benefit.

Efficient feeding programs are designed to provide cattle with the essential nutrients for maintenance and growth with minimal excesses and losses.

Now is the time to start collecting phenotypic data on other economically important traits, such as feed intake.

Feed intake may not be completely useful by itself, but feed intake is the cornerstone for many measures of cattle efficiency. Measuring efficiency across the entire integrated beef system is not easy due to the differing classes of cattle (calves, yearlings, and mature cattle), breed differences, and ways in which cattle biological systems (nutrition, reproduction, lactation, basal metabolism) interact.

Cow efficiency is traditionally defined as the pounds of calf weaned per pound of cow weight. Perhaps a more effective way to maximize production system efficiency is to improve feed utilization of grazing cows in the reproductive herd. Considering total herd production efficiency, 65 percent of the feed energy is utilized by the reproducing cow herd as opposed to the growing cattle in feedlots. However, because the cowherd primarily consumes a forage-based diet, it is difficult to measure feed intake for grazing cattle.

Therefore, identifying efficient animals based on indicator traits in cattle fed primarily a grain based diet would be ideal.

Traditional measures of feed efficiency in fed cattle include feed conversion ratio (FCR) defined as the amount of feed consumed divided by live weight gain. The broiler industry has been successful at improving feed efficiency by emphasizing selection for FCR to produce faster growing birds. The swine industry has also been successful using FCR, where the majority of genetics provided to this market originate from only three to four suppliers. However, because of physiological differences between cattle and other protein producing species, the beef industry has not been as successful at improving feed efficiency through selection for FCR. Efficient cattle with a lower FCR show a correlated response in increased growth rates, mature

29

EXPERT CONNECTION size, and maintenance requirements. While FCR is a useful management tool when evaluating the economics of growing and finishing cattle, it is not a good indication of feed production system. Annual feed costs for the cow herd represents 60 to 70% of total costs per year.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is another measure of feed efficiency and can be used as a selection tool to genetically improve seedstock and slaughter animals. RFI was first proposed by Dr. Robert Koch in 1963 in growing beef cattle and is defined as the actual feed intake minus expected feed intake based on maintenance and production requirements.

RFI is phenotypically independent of growth rate and body weight. Efficient animals have daily intakes less than predicted after accounting for production and body weight.

Inefficient animals have daily intakes more than predicted after accounting for production and body weight. Brangus heifers classified as efficient RFI heifers measured at Auburn University ate 459 pounds of feed less than the Brangus heifers classified as inefficient RFI heifers. This translates into a $75 difference in feed cost over 70 days. Additional research indicates females classified as efficient as yearlings also are efficient as mature cows, thus suggesting feed costs are less for these females throughout their lifetimes.

Another measure of efficiency is residual average daily gain (RADG). Residual average daily gain is the difference between actual gain and predicted gain based on feed intake, body weight, and composition. Animals with a positive RADG gain weigh more than predicted and are considered more efficient.

Researchers have argued as to which measure of efficiency is ultimately best for selection decisions. However, individual feed intake and weight gain is needed for FCR, RFI and RADG. Based on research studies, the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recommends contemporary groups be measured for individual feed intake and gain postweaning. Animals must be at least 240 days of age at the beginning of the evaluation. However, animals need to complete the evaluation by 390 days of age. Currently, BIF recommends animals should be fed free choice (minimum 2.4 Mcal ME/kg DMI for bulls) for 70 days after a 21-day adaptation period. Several research studies in Australia, Canada and the United States have found individual feed intake can be accurately determined by 45 days of feeding.

However, it takes 70 days for an accurate determination of average daily gain. Currently, there are two technologies available to measure individual feed intake. Animals need to be trained to individual feed gates and daily feed intake measured or an automated feed intake measurement system be utilized. Use of electronic ear tags allow individual animal feed intake to be recorded to a computer using the automated feed intake measurement systems. Either of these systems can be installed on individual farms, but more realistically, contemporary groups would be measured at centralized testing locations.

Cow efficiency has been a topic of conversation for many years. Ideas, from choosing cows that wean 50 percent of 30

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

their weaning weight, using feed conversion ratio or dry matter intake, have been suggested as selection criteria.

However, for all the talk generated concerning efficiency the last 20 years, there is little to no evidence that American beef producers have selected for improved cow or feedlot efficiency. Ultimately, a 1 percent improvement in feed efficiency has the same economic impact as a 3 percent increase in ADG. Isn’t it time to get serious about beef cattle efficiency?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Kriese-Anderson, PhD. joined the faculty at Auburn University in 1993 with a

75-percent extension, 25-percent research appointment with an emphasis on beef cattle breeding. Currently, she serves as the team coordinator for the Animal Science and Forages Extension Team of regional agents, county coordinators, and specialists. While at Auburn, Kriese-Anderson has been involved with several major extension programs including Beef Quality Assurance education, Master Cattle Producers Program, Alabama Pasture to Rail, Sand Mountain Elite Heifer Development Program, and Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association’s Bull Testing Program. She is also co-chair of Ag Discovery Adventure, initiated in 2012, which is a one-day event targeted for urban and suburban people wanting to understand how their food is produced. Kriese-Anderson’s research interests lie in the area of beef efficiency and how that impacts both reproduction and carcass quality.

She serves as an undergraduate advisor to 35 to 40 animal science students and coordinates the Auburn University Academic Quadrathlon.

31

FEATURE

Brangus in the High Country

by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

32

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

FEATURE

If you’ve heard of Brangus, you know of the 3/8 Brahman influence that helps them to survive in the warm, humid climates across the southern and coastal regions of the United States and other areas like them around the world. However, Brangus are not just built for heat. These cattle are survivors.

Paul Young runs a sizable commercial operation in Austin, Nevada on elevations ranging from 6,500 feet to 10,000 feet. The lowlands are available year-round to graze, but Young can run cattle on the snow-capped mountains in the warmer months. These mile-high cattle have to forage on rocky summits and go miles to and from the nearest water source.

Like many, Young hasn’t always raised Brangus cattle.

He used to run Hereford cows, and he experimented with a wide array of terminal rotations and herd sires. Eventually, he wanted to transition his cow-base to Angus. For 10 years, he bought purebred Angus bulls. The American Angus Association and Certified Angus Beef (CAB) have made huge strides in genetic progression and developing a brand. If you do your research, you can identify the exact specifications required to qualify for added-value programs, like CAB, and play them to your strengths.

Depending on how you market your livestock, understand that certain colors and phenotypes lend to different maturity patterns and qualities when the carcass hits the rail. Across the auction block, premiums for black, polled cattle have turned cattle buyers’ toward Brangus.

Regarding his original commercial Angus cowherd, Young said, “After ten years, I just needed some heterosis.

I needed cattle with a little more doability. [Brangus] are increasing my weaning weights and letting me stick to the black hide.”

Many purebred and seedstock breeders talk about bloodlines lining up and crossing just perfectly. Getting bloodlines too tight is inbreeding and leads to a host of health problems outside of irreparable structural damage.

Heterosis is the biggest gain from introducing a 3/8 breed, like Brangus, rotation into your cowherd. Heterosis increases weaning weights and muscle development largely because of hybrid vigor; the offspring’s ability to outperform its parents.

The genomic difference in Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle allows for the maximum progression from genetic origin.

Regardless, if you notice your growth columns beginning to plateau, the problem probably stems from genetics lined too similarly. Adversely, this is positive for consistency.

Your herd will make strides in uniformity and predictability.

Recognize the risk of defective offspring is ever-present the tighter you breed.

It’s crucial that you turn generations each year and have a fully loaded bull battery. Bos indicus influenced cattle typically reach sexual maturity later in adolescence.

Routinely, Brangus are breaking this stereotype and showing great stamina and libido. Brangus are held to the same Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) standards as other breeds. Young discovered Brangus bulls are competitive breeders, and they get out and cover cows even as yearlings.

They are brought in to the ranch to acclimate, but they’re never pampered before being kicked out on the range to sink or swim.

Cattle aren’t pampered in Young’s operation. In the high country they are responsible for seeking protein and roughage. Most cattle breeds have a tendency to stay at the base of the mountain and graze. The problem is that most poisonous coverage is found in the lowlands. Upland grasses are more easily digested and converted to energy because they’re denser in protein content. Part of the battle is finding cows intelligent enough to know the difference.

“These cattle have to learn to browse,” Young said. “I think it’s the Brahman influence which helps them learn faster. It’s not that other breeds don’t do it, but the Brangus get out, they move, and they make it happen.”

On his place, cattle graze largely on brush and legumes.

Young says his Brangus are not afraid to move to greener pastures, even if that means leaving a water source. Calves on summer range stay on the cow until September, and then Young puts them in his own backgrounding program until December. In December, they’re videoed and sold on Superior Livestock Auction. Most end up in the Midwest where they winter as feeder calves until they’re at the right weight to enter the yards of the Midwest. Some go to California when they have grass.

“These cattle have to learn to browse,” Young said. “I think it’s the Brahman influence which helps them learn faster. It’s not that other breeds don’t do it, but the Brangus get out, they move, and they make it happen.”

Young aims for bulls to be done with natural breeding by July. In the big country, the cattle move and make it difficult to gather and control the exact amount of time a bull has to 33

FEATURE cover the herd. He hopes that his yearling bulls are breeding 10 cows each and he doesn’t pull any off the cows until he brings the entire herd down from the mountains.

“I’m a big advocate after seeing what I’ve seen,” Young said. “When I first chose Brangus, I was nervous about their adaptability.”

Young sourced his bulls out of Eureka, Kansas and College Station, Texas. In both regions, grass grows bellyhigh and cattle don’t have to work as hard to produce. In the Sierra Mountains of Nevada, the terrain is high and dry.

Brangus cattle have the foot size and structural integrity to cover large acreage and last for years.

Young said, “the rocks don’t seem to bother them and I haven’t had any sore feet. They’re breeding cows and doing what they need to.”

Since transitioning to Brangus, Young said his herd immunity is improved. With the fluctuating temperatures

of a mountain climate, summer pneumonia is prevalent and hard to fight. Brangus and other Bos indicus cattle are naturally thicker-skinned than their British-influenced contemporaries, which allows them to retain condition and maintain their internal temperature with ease. Young says temperatures can fluctuate anywhere between 80 degrees to below zero. In addition, this skin and hair, makes Brangus more resistant to parasites and insects.

“After running Brangus bulls for the last years, sure, you doctor one here and there, but they’re just more disease resistant,” Young said. “I don’t see he scours. I don’t see the respiratory viruses that I found in other cattle. They’re not as susceptible to the temperature swing.”

“Reality is we like the Brangus association and the Brangus cattle,” Young said. “They’re making it so that each time you sit down at the dinner table and cut into a steak, you have an enjoyable experience. I’m happy with what I’ve seen Brangus do, and I’ll stay with them as long as long as we keep pushing the needle in terms of carcass merit and ability to grade on the rail.”

34

35

EXPERT CONNECTION

Marketing: Endless Opportunities

by Karoline Rose

Payday: the day when all your hard work for the year leaves the driveway on a cattle truck, and you hold a check in hand. As a cattle procurement officer and a cowcalf operator, I am on both sides of the payday coin. I know this is how many of us operate year after year, but is it consistently the best option? Is selling cattle directly off the ranch the best option for you and your operation? Are there value-added options you need to consider? Are you doing everything possible to make your calves worth topdollar? Or would retaining ownership give you more return, more knowledge to improve your operation, and the ability to more effectively manage risk?

I want to preface this article by saying that cattle marketing is not black or white. It’s full of gray areas. What works for you and your family might not work for your neighbor and vice versa. As a cattle procurement officer, my job is to serve producers and provide avenues to market cattle. There are many different avenues to market calves year after year, but the biggest mistake one can make is be narrow-minded and not consider all the available marketing avenues and to get stuck in a routine doing the same thing every year without looking at your options.

Factors and options that often play a huge role in your decision to sell off the cow, to wean, or to retain ownership through the feedlot include the following:

TIMING

Fulton J. Sheen said it best: “Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is ‘timing,’ it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way.”

It’s impossible to know what the cattle market is going to do from minute to minute, much less from month to month.

Even so, timing plays a huge role in your decision to sell.

The typical option of weaning cattle and sending them to the feedlot often happens five to seven months after calving, with fall shipping being typical. Most people aim for the April market for their fat cattle, creating a highly competitive time to market cattle. Production practices such as changing

36

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER

your calving date by a month or two lowers the competition because fewer cattle will be ready then. For instance, if you consider calving in May and selling in December, you have the option to send them to the feed yard, grass in the warmer states or a backgrounding lot. Adapting to certain practices expands your options as a producer, and with some patience, you are positioned to capitalize on markets that others miss.

DATA

We are in an ever-increasing numbers industry and the commodity board has more volatility than ever. It’s your job as a rancher to be attentive to timing, the markets, and value-added programs. Data plays a more important role now more than ever. We live in a very competitive industry and buyers and feeders are looking for operations who work to set themselves apart from their neighbors. Don’t hesitate to request feed and carcass data from your buyer. Ask them for direct feedback on your calves. Not only will gathering data help you improve your operation’s productivity but that data can also be used to market your best year.

STAND OUT

There are several ways to add value to your calves outside typical value-added programs. For example, if you opt to market your cattle through a local auction barn, typeup the details on your calves. Show up early and hand those details to the buyers. This will give you an edge compared to your neighbors. More information is always helpful to local buyers. To further emphasize, if you tell them the day you gave shots, it’s much more meaningful than the auctioneer simply saying the calves have had all their vaccinations.

Specificity can sometimes be the aspect that makes the biggest difference.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING

Social media is another way to add unique value to your calves, especially on the female side. For example, a simple video on Facebook of your replacement heifer calves, bred heifers or bred cows can be seen by 20,000 instead of the traditional five to 10 local buyers. When done right, social media has the ability to add value by simply increasing interest in the cattle, making it a more competitive market.

EXPERT CONNECTION

FILM

Presentation is everything. Giving a potential buyer the opportunity to actually have a look into your operation by seeing your “mama cows,” calves, and grass conditions is second only to on-site visits. Grab a good video camera and document your calves; you’ll be glad you did.

RETAINED OWNERSHIP

Retaining ownership through the feed yard is another option. This option is often not considered due to elevated risk and sometimes limited availability, but as a producer this option must be considered. It might not be an option you use every year, but it can provide you with valuable knowledge that can help you market your cattle better the next year. The beauty of retaining ownership is that it puts the options and power in your hand. You are able to hedge your cattle for risk management, understand how much your cattle actually shrink on the way to the yard, and see the value your cattle have while understanding average daily gain and cost of gain, as well as understanding carcass data.

When you opt to retain ownership, you also give yourself the opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers and feeders. Retained ownership shows you the changes needed in your operation and highlights the areas in which you excel. One of the benefits of retaining ownership is the ability to have your cattle fall into a carcass merit program based on breed or quality. These programs hold extreme value when understanding designing a program because the carcass quality data is priceless when marketing. When you market cattle through a carcass program you are rewarded for quality and if the right data is kept on the ranch you can see which cows and sires are producing the calves that are bringing a premium on the rail, which gives you the ability to be more profitable.

CONSISTENCY

to bid the next year. If one of your calves missed their preweaning shots, that’s not good enough. I don’t encourage you to demand perfection, but be consistent in your program, your marketing effort and your quality. The most soughtafter calves come from ranchers who strive to do everything right, every time. They create a security for the buyer and feeder. If your buyer knows that you are consistent and every year you get better and better, your calves will be desirable.

Now, don’t get consistency confused with routines that don’t change. Being consistent allows you to be flexible, work your timing and market your cattle in the best way possible because it means from top to bottom your calves are treated the same. They have the same shots, the same treatment, the same data and more. Be consistent while being flexible.

Cattle marketing is quickly changing. Bids on calves are only good for an hour instead of for weeks like they were 20 years ago. There is more competition, but at the same time that competition enables you the opportunity to set yourself apart and truly showcase your cattle and operation. As you analyze your marketing plan for this year, think outside the box. What can you do that makes your cattle different than your neighbors’? That could be throwing a high-quality video of your heifers on Facebook or retaining ownership of your calves until slaughter. The options are ever evolving and endless.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Karoline Rose is the owner of both KRose Marketing and KRose Cattle Company.

Agriculture marketing is undeniably her passion. From procuring cattle to designing websites and taking production sale photos, she works diligently to serve producers all over the United States. Her mission is to equip business owners with the tools needed to market effectively and run successful small businesses with confidence.

She lives in small town Montana, is active in her family’s operation, and also maintains a personal purebred Angus herd.

Consistency is key. If you band 99 percent of your calves and miss 1 percent, that will cause a feeder to be hesitant

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IBBA CONNECTION

Brangus Seedstock Producers Recognized Nationally Five members of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) were recognized by BEEF Magazine in the 2017 BEEF Seedstock 100 list.

In the official article, BEEF released the following explanation: “BEEF’s Seedstock 100 list is based on the number of bulls marketed last year, not the number of cattle registered annually or the number of cows listed in inventories with a breed association or other genetic organization.”

IBBA members included on the list were 44 Farms, GENETRUST, Yon Family Farms, Salacoa Valley Farms, and Blackwater Cattle Company.

“We’re quite honored to be included in the Seedstock Top 100,” said Chris Heptinstall of Salacoa Valley Farms.

“For a breed as small as Brangus®, I think it’s phenomenal that we got five breeders on the list.”

“The partners of GENETRUST are honored to be included in BEEF’s Top 100 Seedstock list. It’s encouraging for ourselves as well as fellow Brangus breeders to see the increasing market share Brangus® and Ultrablack® cattle continue to demand,” said Cody Gariss of GENETRUST.

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“Cattlemen from coast to coast recognize that Brangus® and Ultrablack® genetics can do more in one cross to improve performance, maternal ability and carcass merit than any other breed available.”

BEEF’s report also said the list’s purpose includes “monitoring the level of seedstock concentration and the relative market engagement of seedstock suppliers. It’s also meant to recognize the contribution of seedstock producers who make all or a substantial portion of the cattle income from the seedstock business.”

To view the full list, visit http://www.beefmagazine. com/seedstock/2017-beef-seedstock-100.

BREAK THE

SCALES

WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION info@gobrangus.com | GoBrangus.com | (210) 696-8231 39

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IBBA CONNECTION

Building with Brangus is the Right Choice

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS As we move into the spring calving season for 2017, cattle prices continue to be on the upside of our recent roller coaster ride. The value of every pound of weaned calf continues to have significance in the commercial cattle segment. I do not know of any faster way to increase weaned calf weight than to utilize a good crossbreeding program that maximizes heterosis.

Heterosis is simply the superiority of crossbred progeny compared to the average of their parents. Most research suggests that heterosis will increase lifetime calf production (15 to 20 percent), cumulative weaning weight (20 to 25 percnet) and longevity (25 to 30 percent). Commercial cattlemen have always understood the importance of crossbreeding to take advantage of heterosis. However, commercial cattlemen have not truly managed the full benefits of hybrid vigor or heterosis because just changing the breed of bull has merely resulted in a crossbred animal. This management style does not take full advantage of its benefits compared to a planned, complementary crossbreeding program. On the other side of that statement, it has been suggested that too many have continued to use Angus bulls to the point of reduced or complete loss of heterosis effects.

This is evident in the predominantly black hided, English based commercial cowherd.

Although heterosis is difficult to see and even more difficult to measure, it is important to realize that lowly heritable traits generally result in a greater level of heterosis than highly heritable traits. For instance, fertility, maternal ability and longevity can see as much as a 10 to 25 percent increase in productivity, whereas ribeye size and fat thickness may yield less than a five percent increase. The American breeds, Brangus® included, have retained some level of original heterosis created from the initial crosses.

More importantly, these breeds can be utilized to maximize maternal heterosis which is the increased performance of progeny due to use of a crossbred cow. Brangus-influenced cows provide improvements in adaptability, fertility, maternal ability and longevity.

Research suggests that Bos indicus genetics in your herd will improve cow longevity, environmental adaptability, insect and disease tolerance, maternal ability, digestion of

course forages, mineral conservation, maternal calving ease, energetic efficiency, and levels of heterosis. Florida research, using 20 years of data on 1,367 head of animals, indicated that straightbred Angus and Brahman cattle produced the lowest total animal value whereas ¼ Brahman crosses, Brangus® and ½ Brahman crosses netted the highest total animal value. Joe Paschal, PhD. and associates reported that Brangus® calves had a higher average daily gain as well as higher net return when compared to non-Brahman, ¼ Brahman and ½ Brahman calves.

Brangus® is the reliable beef breed with more than 60 years of planned crossbreeding where all of the hard work has been done for you. Brangus® breeders have built the perfect replacement female that is adaptable from the west coast to the east coast, from the north to the south and everywhere in between. The Brangus® female excels in efficiency of weaned calf production, she excels in milk production under limited feed inputs and other environmental constraints, and her Bos indicus heritage gives her built-in calving ease, fertility and longevity – all in a polled, moderate framed, solid colored phenotypic package.

Brangus® breeders have built the ideal herd sire that fit the needs of commercial cattlemen. Brangus® bulls add profitable pounds of weaning weight to their calves, produce outstanding replacement females, and leave feeder calves with superior feedlot gains. They require fewer days on feed and produce industry acceptable carcasses. Brangus® cattle produce large ribeyes and more marbling because of their Angus heritage which continue to make them the American breed of choice.

The Brangus® breed was developed to do it all. They are cattle that economically excel in the pasture for commercial cow-calf producers, in the feedlot for cattle feeders, and in the grocery store for retailers. Brangus® cattle are known to produce a tender, high yielding beef product with optimum levels of marbling which meet the stringent demands of health conscious consumers.

The outstanding maternal strengths, feedlot performance, and carcass merit of Brangus® cattle make them the reliable beef breed to build the nation’s cowherd.

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IBBA CONNECTION

IBBA Introducing Commercial Cattle Genomic Service Yielding Three Selection Indexes The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) will introduce a new DNA test for the profiling and selection of commercial replacement heifers.

IBBA is rolling out the Igenity® Brangus profiler in partnership with Neogen GeneSeek Operations as part of a plan to diversify and grow its genomic services and enhance the tools available to producers.

Commercial producers can already purchase Brangus seedstock that are backed up by Genomic-Enhanced Expected Progeny Differences (GE-EPDs), according to IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS. Soon they also can use similar technology on their own ranch to select Brangus replacement heifers.

“This service will help them move faster and more cost-effectively towards their production goals through earlier selection of heifers with the right combination of economically relevant traits associated with the Brangus breed,” he said. Producers also will be able to predict tenderness and confirm parentage in the heifers that they select to retain.

“This will be incredibly important information that will impact their production system economics along with their ability to represent their steers in the feeder calf market.

Igenity Brangus will profile traits currently provided as birth, growth and carcass trait EPDs by IBBA, plus the test will use Taurus and Indicus parentage markers for sire identification along with tenderness markers. The traits will be provided as easy-to-use 1 to 10 scores. The scores actually predict traits that profiled heifers would pass on to their offspring, he said.

For example, a Brangus heifer that scores well for moderate birthweight, easy calving, good yearling weight and good tenderness would be an ideal keeper, he noted.

“Using genomics, you can look at those characteristics when heifers are young calves, before you put a lot of investment into them as replacements, and make some decisions about which are the best to keep and which will be sold as feeders,” Perkins said.

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Brangus-specific indexes will be used in the reports to help producers put selection pressure on multiple traits simultaneously, he added.

Traits will include: • Maternal: Birth weight, calving ease direct, calving ease maternal, scrotal circumference • Performance: Weaning weight, yearling weight, milk • Carcass: IMF, REA, fat, tenderness • Parentage: Targus/Indicus markers Commercial producers will order the tests from IBBA and send their test samples to the association, where orders will be entered and forwarded on to GeneSeek.

“Our goal is to give commercial producers information they can use to measure and select their future brood cows and Brangus steers. We also aim to further define our EPDs for fertility, performance and carcass merit for purebred Brangus breeders by accelerating the use of genomics and phenotypic data collection by commercial cattleman using the Igenity® Brangus profiler product,” he said.

Brangus will partner with Neogen GeneSeek for genomic services to run the tests and is using the established Igenity brand name to quickly build a recognized commercial cattle profile.

“Neogen GeneSeek has been an important partner in our DNA testing services, and we appreciate tapping into their broad experience across the commercial cattle market to design and field this new test,” Perkins said.

“Their innovation cycle and the bioinformatic services that they provide to our staff make this new product a natural extension of our business relationship.”

“We are very pleased to expand our partnership with the International Brangus Breeders,” said Dr. Stewart Bauck, vice president of agrigenomics for Neogen GeneSeek. “We look forward to working with them to provide fast, effective, affordable DNA testing solutions for their members and customers.”

BRANGUS BUILT THE TAG THAT WORKS FOR YOU! Brangus Built is the ultimate commercial female tagging program.

Brangus Built tags can raise your profit, set your commercial females apart from others on sale day, and add value to your commercial brand within the Brangus breed.

Brangus Built tags come in the form of a Temple Tag or a Z-tag and must be ordered from the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). There is a unique identification number for ease of traceability, and space is allotted on the tag to allow for customization (i.e. private herd numbers).

The cost of the tag is competitive, and adopting this tagging system adds value on sale day. Orders may be placed over the phone or online, at GoBrangus.com. For more information, contact the IBBA today.

INTERNATIONAL BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 809, ADKINS, TX 78101 O: +1 (210) 696-8231 | F: +1 (210) 696-8718 INFO@GOBRANGUS.COM | GOBRANGUS.COM 43

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Mail my subscription to: Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: ___________ Zip: _________ Country: _________________________ Detach form and send to: IBBA, P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 Email: info@gobrangus.com | Fax: (210) 696-8718 44

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CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2017 1-3 9 9-11 10 10-12 11 12 14-17 15 18 25 25 25

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention, Nashville, TN Florida State Fair Regional Open Brangus Show, Tampa, FL IBBA Annual Meeting & Convention, San Antonio, TX Florida State Fair Junior Brangus Show, Tampa, FL San Antonio Regional Brangus Show, San Antonio, TX Marana “Best of the West” Brangus Sale, Marana, AZ Dixie National Regional Brangus Show, Jackson, MS San Antonio Junior Brangus Show, San Antonio, TX San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo All Breeds Sale, San Antonio, TX Yon Family Farms Spring Sale, Ridge Spring, SC 26th Annual Roswell Brangus Sale, Roswell, NM Hunt H+ Brangus Professional Cattlemen’s Bull Sale, Calhoun, GA The Oaks Genetic Partners Range Ready Bull Sale, Navasota, TX

MARCH 2017 8 10 11 11 11 11 12 17 18 19 25 25 25 28

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo All Breeds Sales, Houston, TX International Brangus Bull Show, Houston, TX International Brangus Female Show, Houston, TX Genetic Development Center Best of the Test Cattle Sale (All Breeds), Navasota, TX Genetic Edge XXII Sale, Houston, TX Quail Creek Brangus Cut Above Sale VIII, Cullman, AL Oklahoma Youth Expo Junior Brangus Show, Oklahoma City, OK Houston Junior Brangus Show, Houston, TX Tested by Time Sale at Mound Creek Ranch, Leona, TX Houston Junior Red Brangus Show, Houston, TX 23rd Annual West Texas Brangus Breeders Association Springtime Sale, Abilene, TX Indian Nations Spring Brangus Sale, Ada, OK Salacoa Valley Customer Appreciation and Bull Sale, Fairmount, GA GENETRUST at Suhn Cattle Company, Eureka, KS

APRIL 2017 1 6-9 7-8 8 22

Stockmen’s Choice Sale, Navasota, TX IJBBA Legacy Leadership Conference, Haines City, FL TBBA Miss America Sale, Salado, TX Texas Best Sale at Doguet Diamond D Ranch, Poteet, TX GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch, Jacksonville, TX

MAY 2017 6 15 28

JLS International Sale, Devine, TX National Junior Brangus Show Entry Deadline National Junior Brangus Show Ownership Deadline

JUNE 2017 1 1 9-10 14-17

Futurity Entry Deadline National Junior Brangus Show Late Entry Deadline Arkansas Junior Brangus Breeders State Show, Arkadelphia, AR TJBBA State Show, Bryan, TX

JULY 2017 23-28 27 28 29

National Junior Brangus Show, Texarkana, AR IJBBA “Source of Champions” Sale, Texarkana, AR IJBBA Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, Texarkana, AR Brangus Futurity, Texarkana, AR

AUGUST 2017 31

Salacoa Valley Cattle Country Replacement Female Sale, Brighton, FL

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17 Circle X Land & Cattle ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� IFC Clark Cattle Services �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 Doak Lambert ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 44 El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 Elgin Breeding Service............................................................................................................................. 44 Farris Ranching.........................................................................................................................................19 GENETRUST.......................................................................................................................................... IBC Genetic Edge Sale..................................................................................................................................... 28 International Red Brangus Breeders Association................................................................................... 25 Kerndt Livestock Products........................................................................................................................37 L.W. Hudgins Brangus............................................................................................................................. 35 Lake Majestik Farms...................................................................................................................................5 Lakin Oakley............................................................................................................................................. 44 Mound Creek Ranch..................................................................................................................................21 Oak Creek Farms......................................................................................................................................BC Oklahoma Brangus Association................................................................................................................15 Quail Creek Brangus................................................................................................................................... 9 Salacoa Valley Farms.................................................................................................................................31 Santa Rosa Ranch �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3 ST Genetics/Genetic Development Center ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23 TBBA Miss America Sale ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Terry Reagan ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 The Oaks Farms ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Town Creek Farms ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11 Wes Dotson ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 44 West Coast Brangus Breeders Association ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 West Texas Brangus Breeders Association ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Wyman Creek Ranch ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 BC: Back Cover, IBC: Inside Back Cover, IFC: Inside Front Cover

Brangus Publications, Inc. offers many opportunities for you to promote yourself.

For a full list of opportunities, visit www.GoBrangus.com/2017-mediaguide/.

You may also contact IBBA Advertising Sales Manager Melanie Fuller, at mfuller@gobrangus.com, for more information.

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